Daily
Ithaca
Friday, January 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Ithaca. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of January.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Soup & Hope storytelling series starts Jan. 29 at Sage Chapel and will run every other Thursday until March 26, offering free soup and bread with talks on resilience that bring Cornell and the local community together. No registration is needed. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Cornell Music will host free performances featuring internationally acclaimed soprano Martha Guth and pianist Graham Johnson on Jan.29 (6:30 p.m.) and Jan.30 (7:30 p.m.) at Barnes Hall, presenting Salon Solèy and All About Eve to explore nineteenth-century German Lieder and musical visions of womanhood. Tompkins Weekly
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Ithaca’s SouthWorks project received $38 million in state funds to advance the redevelopment of the former Emerson Power Transmission site on South Hill. The mixed-use plan will offer housing, an innovation hub, and local amenities plus create new job opportunities in Tompkins County. Ithaca.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Cornell will increase its voluntary contribution to Ithaca schools by 42% over the next five years, raising its annual payment to $874,000 (from $650,000) and deepening partnerships with a new advisory committee and dual-credit courses starting next fall. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Cornell psychology professor Charlie Trautmann has developed a method using parental surveys + a Personal Climate Profile tool to study how early childhood experiences affect environmental behavior in adulthood. He plans to launch large-scale, folded longitudinal studies soon to refine efforts to combat climate change. The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ The Ithaca Clay School will host a youth winter break camp (ages 8-12) from Feb. 16 to 20. Campers will learn pottery techniques including slab, coil, and pinch and take home completed craft projects, so they need to bring their own lunch, snacks, and water bottles. 607 News Now
- ➤ At Cornell, the Committee on the Future of the American University examines how federal funding that supports research while protecting academic independence is under strain amid rising skepticism over cost and accountability. The report calls for clear mutual expectations to safeguard academic freedom and reinforce the university's public mission. The Cornell Daily Sun
- ➤ Cornell University received its largest donation when alumnus David Duffield pledged $371.5 million to help establish the new Duffield College of Engineering, adding to a $100 million pledge from last year and prior gifts. The historic gift marks a major boost for the university's technical research and innovation efforts. WENY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Eric Stickel was sworn in as chief of Cornell University Police Department on Jan. 21 at Friends Hall overlooking Schoellkopf Field. With over 17 years of service and a community-focused approach (he served as interim chief since last September), he is ready to lead with integrity. Cornell Chronicle
- ➤ Tompkins County Legislators passed a resolution on Tuesday calling on state regulators to reject the renewal of a water permit for the AI data center to be built in the decommissioned power plant in Lansing — the resolution, passed unanimously except one vote, asks for a full environmental review. The Ithaca Voice
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Amid prolonged cold, the American Red Cross advises local homeowners to insulate pipes and open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate — steps that can help prevent burst pipes and costly repairs in unheated spaces. Residents in areas like garages and basements should act today. Ithaca Journal
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Zumper data shows Ithaca's median apartment rent dropped to $2,025 in December from last year's $2,047 and is 8 percent lower than last month's $2,190 rate. One-bedroom and two-bedroom rents remained steady, reflecting small shifts in the local rental market. Ithaca Journal
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Sky Stories - The Round Time
7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Cherry Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the world premiere of Round Time, an aerial showcase of old rhythms and new cycles performed by talented female aerialists.
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Ithaca Ballet: WinterDance 2026
Evening of contemporary dance — 7 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 65 years of Ithaca Ballet with an evening of innovative choreography and performances by alumni dancers.
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Princeton Tigers at Cornell Big Red Women's Basketball
5-8 p.m. — Newman Arena — VIP tickets available — Experience college basketball with premium seating and special game day packages.
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Mutts Gone Nuts
7-10 p.m. — State Theatre of Ithaca — Ticketed event — Experience a hilarious dog variety show that’s sure to entertain all ages.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
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